More Texas Barracuda

[GoDivin]

32 pounds, 55 inches

I speared this fish freediving with my Riffe M-2

[donmoore]

GoDivin,
Did you enter it in the University of Texas Barracuda contest?
don

[joens]

good job

[GoDivin]

donmoore,

Yep, I work at UT, so of course this one was entered. The purpose of our trip on Tuesday was two fold, 1)try to knock off the leaders of the contest and 2)Get a few good snapper. We got 12 snapper over 21 inches, but this cuda is only standing 3rd in the contest.

[donmoore]

GoDivin,
What is the weight of the first place now? I heard they already have enough cudas for the study, so I don't want to bother with brining them anymore (tired of those smelly things in the boat!) unless its good for 1st.
don

[donmoore]

nice catch on the snapper too. Did you spear them or pole fish?

[GoDivin]

First place is currently just over 33 pounds...can't remember the ounces. Yeah, I am just shooting for a winner myself. As far as shapper goes, that was hook and line. We did a couple of dives, one to 125', the other to about 70', shot a ling, but missed the hard spot, so it pulled out, had one opportunity at a nice AJ, but the shot just wan't there and I didn't want to push my luck since that second dive was on a 185 foot rig.

[donmoore]

You inspired me. I didn’t know what 1st place was after the 47 lbs that was gaffed while free swimming was disqualified. We gave them one that was 30lbs on our cheap fishing scale. Tomorrow I am looking for big barracuda. If I shoot one less than 33lbs on my scale, its going to the bottom to feed the red snapper. I figure its only justice, since they eat so many snapper when they are being reeled up.
don

[rigdvr]

can I mail yall one from Mississippi?:D

[Sliptip]

Sorry, the study is confined to fish from Texas water (see flyer). Thanks for the offer.

[rigdvr]

Texas? Those fish are all coming from federal waters if Im not mistaken...:p

[Sliptip]

Legally speaking you are correct. The restriction is primarily related to zoogeographic range; and to a lesser extent logistics. Thanks

[donmoore]

Rig,
FedEx that cuda to: XXXXTTTWRT

I didn’t beat the record. Took one shot at a fat one, and it was only 29lbs on my scale. Then my wife wanted to shoot a fish, which she did. Her first one. Then my 10 year-old wanted to give it try so we threw some crackers in the water and she shot a Bermuda Chub with her first trigger pull. Texas just opened up a new state record division for under 16, so I think she now has a state record.

Then my 6 year-old wanted to try it. She wanted me to put a hand on the gun to help her aim it. We started swimming toward some dog snappers playing at the surface of the rig. She got excited and pulled the trigger when we still 15 feet away. I reloaded and we found another snapper, which she nailed.

Then all I could hear, was my turn, my turn, as the gun was used and pass from person to person. Teach your family how to spear fish and never get any hunting time again! Oh well, at least they were all happy. They even wanted to watch a Terry Mass video when we got home.

I plan to get one or two more trips in before the contest is over.
don

[rigdvr]

Sliptip...I understood. I was just messin around;)